East Villagers advocating for quality of life
The success of continuing redevelopment within East Village will greatly depend upon the compatibility of its mixed residential, retail, business and entertainment land uses. East Village residents are becoming clearer about the neighborhood services, amenities and environment they want for their investment in downtown living.
The most recent example is how dozens of residents around PETCO Park have responded to 7-Eleven’s application to sell beer and wine at its 9th Avenue and J Street store.
Given this store’s unique location “” directly across the street from the “Park at the Park” and the children’s playground “” the prospect of it selling “alcohol to go” presents concerns. Children, families and others frequenting these and nearby amenities do not feel assured they are free of alcohol-related issues.
Monitoring and enforcement of open container and public drinking laws already are quite challenging with SDPD and other resources so stretched. Illegal tailgating at Padres Parkade and surrounding streets risks being exacerbated with off-sales alcohol so close to the ballpark and special street events in the adjacent Gaslamp Quarter.
These and other concerns underscore why community opposition to a CCDC Conditional Use Permit (C.U.P.) and CA-ABC off-site alcohol license for this particular 7-Eleven will remain strong.
Crime rates for narcotics, assault, drunk-in-public and DUI incidents within a short radius remain high. The added convenience of additional alcohol is nominal given all the licensed stores, restaurants and bars now within walking distance.
We cannot make the necessary finding that off-site alcohol sales at 9th and J will NOT be detrimental to public health, safety and welfare. We are pleased that CCDC’s hearing officer also could not make this finding at the recent public hearing on 7-Eleven’s C.U.P.
Residents are concerned about quality of life in East Village. They are increasingly participating in community discussions, public hearings and working together to make East Village special. We hope their voices will be further acknowledged and respected.

Dan Tomsky
Project Manager, Vitality San Diego
Institute for Public Strategies

Brad Simmons
President, East Village Community Action Network